Growing up on a family dairy farm, Nico Romano has always had a keen interest in machinery and farming.
As a qualified diesel tractor mechanic and buyer of tractors, it was always going to happen that Mr Romano would eventually find his way into contracting — seven years ago he bit the bullet and started Romano Ag services at Tatura.
He hasn’t looked back since.
Offering sowing, ploughing, mulching, orchard work, hay and silage services means Mr Romano is always busy.
He said while the 2024 hay season was only just getting under way, the next few weeks would be critical.
“If we get some rain between now and the end of September to increase growth and bulk out crops we will have a decent season,” Mr Romano said.
“Crops are looking good, but they do need a drink and I imagine anyone who can irrigate will do all right, although the cost of water is starting to creep up as well.”
He said many farmers, particularly dairy farmers who are also grappling with a milk price cut, are concerned about the impacts of a dry season on their ability to produce hay and silage.
“It really is a critical time and the season could go either way at this point.”
With this in mind, he has already started some silage contracting.
“Yields haven’t been great due to short growth but the quality has been good.”
He said round bale silage remains a popular way for smaller farmers to conserve fodder, however bigger farmers are looking at pit silage for ease of storage and reduced plastic waste.
“I don’t know if round bale silage will still be popular in 10 years’ time and I don’t have any plans on getting into pit silage but who knows what will happen in the future, there may be a hole in the market but at the moment I certainly have more than enough on my plate.”
Depending on weather conditions, the silage season will run through to the end of September while the hay season will take up most of October and November. Late lucerne will fill in the period January through to March.
Mr Romano does most of the work himself, employing a full-time sub-contractor and a part-time employee who helps out when he can.
He likes to change his machinery over every three years to keep it up to date, under warranty and to help prevent time lost due to breakdowns.
“I keep a close eye on how many hectares my machinery has done and how many hours on my tractors.
“When I first started out, I was shopping around for what was the best value tractor at the time and I purchased my first Case — I have stuck with them ever since, although I do have a one-off New Holland tractor now.”
Mr Romano said he had only just traded in a couple of old tractors for two new Cases and he is looking forward to getting stuck into the hay season.
“I largely service the local area from Wyuna, Kyabram, Numurkah and Nathalia depending on the job,” he said.